Just last night, guests aboard the Disney Magic were treated to an exciting performance by one of the most well-known entertainers of the decade – Charo!

Charo’s thrilling performance of pop-oriented songs and traditional flamenco guitar, combined with her witty humor and flamboyant stage presence, deserved nothing short of the standing ovation she received.

Her performance came as a surprise to guests on the Disney Magic’s westbound transatlantic crossing as the ship heads back to Port Canaveral after the Mediterranean cruise season. Charo also surprised guests during the eastbound transatlantic crossing as the Disney Magic sailed from Port Canaveral to the Mediterranean this past May.

A Spanish-American actress, comedienne and one of the world’s best flamenco guitarists, Charo is best known for her appearances on the television show “Love Boat” and for her trademark expression “cuchi cuchi.” I guarantee you that her performance last night on the Disney Magic is one that our guests will never forget.

Tagged: DCL, Disney Magic

Filed: Celebrity Visits, Disney Cruise Line

There comes a time in every family vacation when teenagers want to get some time to hang out with other teens.

On the Disney Cruise Line ships teens have access to exclusive hangouts designed specially for them. These trendy areas offer an elite getaway for them to create their own vacation agenda – whether socializing with new friends, playing the latest video games, experiencing cutting-edge technology or just chilling out.

On the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder the teen club sits in a primo location, right inside the forward funnel of the ship. The space is decorated like an upscale New York loft filled with technology gadgets and fun activities.

On the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy (premiering March 31, 2012), the teen club is located in the forward-most section of the ship. The chic space features indoor and outdoor areas filled with every must-haves for every teen.

We recently sent Andi, from the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, on a mission to bring us a report of Vibe aboard the Disney Dream. Check it out.

Tagged: DCL, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Moms Panel, Video

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

I have a confession to make – I’m on vacation. And not just any vacation, a Disney Cruise Line vacation sailing in the Mediterranean aboard the Disney Magic! In honor of being on the ship, I wanted to post something about Disney Cruise Line and as it just so happens, July 28 is also the day the Disney Magic was christened at the Disney Cruise Line Terminal in Port Canaveral, Fla.

I thought it would be fun to take a look at some ads that ran even before the launch of the Disney Magic. We knew how fun our cruise ships would be, but how do we convey that message to consumers? With the help of some famous Disney friends, of course!

The ads informed guests of the world-class entertainment, fine dining and special fun for kids waiting aboard the Disney Magic. They also introduced our new private island, Castaway Cay.

Of course, I’m sure once I disembark from the Disney Magic in a few days, I’ll be figuring out just how quickly I can return for another cruise. As luck would have it, Disney Magic will be sailing on cruises to The Bahamas and Canada/New England Coast from New York, as well as the Western Caribbean from Galveston, Texas, in 2012. Bon Voyage!

Tagged: DCL, Disney Magic

Filed: Disney Cruise Line, Disney History

What magical moment has a Disney cast member created for you?

This question has been on my mind since I took my son to visit Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside over the weekend for a snack and a stroll along the resort’s Sassagoula River. This resort holds a special place in my memory, as this was the first place a Disney cast member went above and beyond to create a magical moment for my family.

This special moment took place in the early 1990s, when I was vacationing at the resort with my mom. Each night, after spending a full day at the parks, we’d walk our sore feet into the resort’s Riverside Food Court to pick up what we decided were the best peanut butter cookies either one of us ever had. Throughout our vacation, we returned night after night to satisfy our sugar fix.

On the last night of our stay, I remember remarking to my mom (in front of the group of cast members who had come to know us and our nightly purchase), how much I’d miss these sweets when we returned home to Pennsylvania.

Twenty minutes after returning to our resort room, we heard a knock on the door and opened it to find a member of the Room Service team, standing there with a complimentary plate of a dozen peanut butter cookies and a pitcher of cold milk. We couldn’t believe our eyes!

The thoughtfulness of this surprise became the highlight of our vacation, and that is exactly the purpose of a “magical moment” – it’s an experience that cast members create for us guests that just blow our minds. They are the unbelievable acts of kindness that surprise us, delight us, and keep us coming back to create new memories.

So now it’s your turn. What are some of the most magical moments a Disney cast member has created for you?

Tagged: Disney Magic, WDW

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort

Did you hear the big Disney Cruise Line news last week? We announced our itineraries and homeports for 2012, including cruises departing from New York, Seattle and Galveston! Based on the reaction of our friends in the Northeast, Gulf Coast, Texas and the Pacific Northwest it sounds like y’all are pretty excited about sailing on a Disney Cruise from your own backyard.

But guess what, I have even more good news! The itineraries I shared with you last week aren’t the only new options for 2012…here are even more offerings for next year.

Back by popular demand, the Disney Wonder will continue sailing seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles for the majority of 2012 (when she isn’t sailing Alaskan cruises from Seattle during the summer months).

In addition, you can cruise up the Pacific Coast on the Disney Wonder during seven-night voyages from Los Angeles on September 16, September 23, September 30 and October 7. You’ll sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and into San Francisco, and also call on San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico during these unique itineraries.

We’re also saying “Aloha” to Hawaii for the first time, as we’re sailing a special 15-night voyage departing from Los Angeles on April 29, 2012, and calling on Hilo; Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai and Ensenada, Mexico. Start practicing your hula dancing, and get ready for an amazing glimpse of tropical paradise!

Plus, the Disney Magic will sail out of Port Canaveral, Florida so you can enjoy Caribbean and Bahamian cruises until she is repositioned to the Big Apple in May 2012.

Besides the exciting new itineraries available on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder in 2012, the Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Finally, the Disney Fantasy will depart on her maiden voyage March 31, 2012, from Port Canaveral for seven-night Caribbean cruises that’ll alternate between Eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and Western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel) itineraries. Select Caribbean sailings in November and December 2012 will stop at St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico so you can experience yet another new port of call. And of course, all Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at one of your favorite destinations – Castaway Cay.

We can’t wait to share more magical and wonderful experiences with you, and now from new ports and in new destinations! To learn even more about our 2012 itineraries, you can visit disneycruise.com.

Tagged: DCL, Disney Dream, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

Hello from New York!

What are Captain Mickey Mouse and I doing in the Big Apple? Well, we just announced our itinerary line-up for 2012 and (drum roll, please) it includes three new homeports – New York, Seattle and Galveston! Do we have any Disney Cruise Line fans from those areas? Now, a Disney cruise is even more convenient for you, as you can depart for your dream vacation from your backyard.

From New York…
Beginning May 25, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail 20 cruises from New York – with three unique and
varied itineraries.

• Eight-night Bahamas cruises that include a day at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay; Nassau, Bahamas; and a stop at Port Canaveral, Florida, giving guests an opportunity to visit the nearby Walt Disney World Resort. As part of this itinerary, you’ll receive a one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket and roundtrip transportation between the port and resort.
• Five-night cruises up the New England coast that will call at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick. In these popular Canadian ports, you can soak in splendid natural vistas, explore historic sites, visit quaint cafés and charming shops and browse Canada’s oldest farmer’s market.
• Three two-night cruises (June 15, July 13 and August 10) that are perfect for families looking for a quick getaway and a sampling of the Disney Cruise Line experience with a day at sea over a weekend.

From Seattle…
Beginning May 28, 2012, the Disney Wonder will sail another season of Alaskan cruises including
seven-night voyages from the Port of Seattle to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia.

These cruises will combine the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience found on a Disney Cruise Line ship. We work closely with Alaskan tour operators to create exclusive Port Adventures that allow you to enjoy Alaska’s natural beauty, rich history and abundant wildlife.

From Galveston…
Beginning September 22, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail seven-night cruises from Galveston to the Western Caribbean. Ports of call include Grand Cayman and Mexico’s Costa Maya and Cozumel.

On this cruise, your family can enjoy a tropical getaway with world-class entertainment and impeccable guest service found only on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. You’ll have three magical days at sea to explore all of the fun aboard the Disney Magic and three days in port to lounge on warm, golden beaches, to swim and snorkel in azure waters or to shop to your heart’s content in exotic marketplaces.

If you want to secure your spot on one of these exciting new itineraries, bookings for 2012 open April 8, 2011, on disneycruise.com or by calling Disney Cruise Line at (888) DCL-2500.

We hope to see you onboard in 2012! Which itinerary are you most excited for?

Tagged: DCL, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder

Filed: Disney Cruise Line

Okay, I admit it. . .I love traveling to Europe! This summer I get to combine two of my passions – traveling to Europe and sailing on a Disney Cruise Line ship! Last week we posted details on the places the Disney Magic will visit this summer in Europe.

Now, I want to share some elements we developed to help families enjoy the rich history, unique culture and exotic cuisine in these European destinations. By working with local tour operators (and destination experts) in Europe, we were able to design some great family-friendly adventures for guests to explore. Here are just a few exciting examples of our European Port Adventures.

Bienvenidos a Barcelona! Before you depart for your cruise or after you return, you can choose from a plethora of Port Adventures in Barcelona to enjoy this amazing city full of flare. The extraordinary excursions here range from a scenic drive to admire Antoni Gaudí’s amazing architecture, to an authentic Flamenco song and dance show and delectable dinner eating Spanish tapas. Or, you can visit the Chocolate Museum, where guests of all ages can indulge in sweet treats and mold a chocolate confection!

If you could create your very own fragrance, what would it smell like? In Villefranche, you can customize a special scent at the Fragonard perfume factory. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous – you can travel outside the city for a thrilling white water rafting ride down the Var River rapids that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping!

A number of adventures ashore are available in Naples, where guests can get a glimpse of the stunning seaside town of Sorrento, discover the fascinating Roman ruins of Pompeii or hike to the summit of Mt. Vesuvius. Here, kids can also sample Italian culinary delights and participate in a pizza-making lesson.

On our 10- and 11-night European itineraries, a Port Adventure in Palermo includes a traditional Sicilian marionette puppet show and a ceramics class where kids can paint clay to create their own souvenirs.

Nothing beats spending a day exploring the wonders of Europe, knowing you can return to the comfort of Disney Cruise Line that evening. It’s a trip you and your family will remember forever!

Tagged: DCL, Disney Magic

Filed: Disney Cruise Line